Micro filter device for an in line filtering configuration

Abstract

An oil filtering device for an in-line filtering configuration. The device has a filter part having a micro-filtration device for filtering oil, wherein axial end faces of the filtering part are formed by the micro-filtration device. The device includes a filter housing having a lid, an inlet port situated outside the filter part for radial flow-filtering of the oil, and an outlet tort in fluid communication with a cylindrical interior space of the filter part. The device also includes a by-pass mechanism formed by an aperture provided in a closing member which sealingly engages an axial end face of the filter part, the aperture connecting the interior space in the filter part to a space exterior to said filter part. The by-pass includes a valve mechanism movable between a closed position at a lowest operating oil pressure to an open position as a function of increasing operating oil pressure.

1 .- 10 . (canceled)  
     
     
         11 . An oil filtering device for an in-line oil filtering configuration comprising: 
 a filter part having a micro-filtration device for filtering said oil, wherein axial end faces of the filtering part are formed by the micro-filtration device;    a filter housing comprising a lid;    a clamping mechanism for securing said lid to said housing;    an inlet port situated outside said filter part for radial flow-filtering of said oil;    an outlet port in fluid communication with a cylindrical interior space of said filter part;    internal, substantially flat filter end face contacting faces for axially closing a passage of oil; and    a closing face integrated into an insert member accommodating irregularities in shape of the housing at an axial side of the insert member opposing the closing face.    
     
     
         12 . An oil filtering device according to  claim 11  wherein an oil passage closing face is integrated into a housing part.  
     
     
         13 . An oil filter device according to  claim 11  wherein a radial thickness of the micro-filtration device is larger than a radial thickness of its interior space within said housing.  
     
     
         14 . An oil filter device according to  claim 11  wherein the micro-filtration device has a diameter substantially equal to that of the filter part.  
     
     
         15 . An oil filter device according to  claim 11  wherein the housing comprises a dimple for positioning the filter part.  
     
     
         16 . An oil filter device according to  claim 11  wherein the oil inlet port is positioned radially outside the filter part.  
     
     
         17 . An oil filter device according to  claim 11  wherein the micro-filtration device has a diameter substantially equal to that of the filter part, and wherein the housing comprises a dimple for positioning the filter part, and wherein the oil inlet port is positioned radially outside the filter part.  
     
     
         18 . An oil filter device according to  claim 12  wherein the oil passage closing face is integrated in a housing wall part having a thickness of more than twice the thickness of a majority of the corresponding housing wall part.  
     
     
         19 . An oil filter device according to  claim 11  comprising a by-pass mechanism to provide at least a minimum flow of oil through the filter device at substantially all times.  
     
     
         20 . An oil filter device according to  claim 19  wherein the by-pass mechanism comprises a spring or valve.  
     
     
         21 . An oil filter device according to  claim 11  comprising at least one closure member sealingly engaging an axial end face of the filter part.  
     
     
         22 . An oil filter device according to  claim 21  wherein at least one of the closure members includes a cylindrical notch adapted to fit in said cylindrical interior space of said filter part.  
     
     
         23 . An oil filter device according to  claim 21  wherein the at least one closure member contacts the housing by way of a spring.  
     
     
         24 . An oil filter device according to  claim 11  comprising a by-pass mechanism formed by an aperture provided in a closing member which sealingly engages an axial end face of the filter part, the aperture connecting the interior space in the filter part to a space exterior to said filter part  
     
     
         25 . An oil filter device according to  claim 24  wherein said by-pass comprises a valve mechanism movable between a closed position at a lowest operating oil pressure to an open position as a function of increasing operating oil pressure.  
     
     
         26 . An oil filter device according to  claim 25  wherein the valve mechanism is pressure dependent and comprises an elastically deformable device providing an internal passage which opens up as a function of increasing oil pressure.  
     
     
         27 . An oil filtering dev ice according to  claim 25  wherein the valve mechanism is at least partially incorporated in said aperture of an end face closing member.